Groups
The Cascabel Hermitage Association Education Program facilitates group field studies in a Sonoran Desert setting. Studies have ranged from natural history to aspects of desert-adapted living. The approach is flexible. Group leaders/instructors plan specific curricula; CHA provides a place to host groups. CHA staff are available for introductory level programs, providing guide services for backcountry trips and can provide contacts to facilitate more advanced studies. Some groups have also made use of CHA solitary retreat facilities as part of the education experience. Groups of up to 15 people can be accommodated.
Studies/discussions have included: desert food gathering, production and preservation, basin and range geology, desert-adapted dwellings, desert plant studies, annual Saguaro census and adaptive land use issues.
Groups are hosted at the CHA Support Center (photos) located in Hot Springs Canyon. Camping facilities include a windmill, running water, solar shower, composting toilet, shade ramada, guest tent and camping spaces in a grove of large mesquite trees.
For examples of previous groups:
Earlham College Southwest Field Studies